Top-performing U.S. housing market? The one not in decline

Moody's Economy.com ranks Tacoma, Wash., at the top of the list among 100 metropolitan areas nationwide. The firm said it expects housing prices to rise 2.44 percent in 2010 in Tacoma. That increase, though modest, compares well with Moody's national figure, a predicted 7.9 percent decline.

A leading financial prediction firm lists Tacoma as the nation's likely best-performing housing market this year.

Moody's Economy.com ranks Tacoma at the top of the list among 100 metropolitan areas nationwide. The firm said it expects housing prices to rise 2.44 percent in 2010 in Tacoma.

That increase, though modest, compares well with Moody’s national figure, a predicted 7.9 percent decline.

The Puget Sound area's still relatively healthy industrial base in aircraft assembly, electronics and software plus a smaller supply of homes for sale than elsewhere is what’s helping to keep Tacoma on top, said the company.

Following Tacoma in the top five were Memphis, Tenn; Pittsburgh; Charleston, S.C.; and Seattle.